Geneva, 23 June 2016 - The Protocol for Water Reporting for the Cement Industry published in 2014, specified what should be recorded as part of sustainable water management in the cement sector. The water KPIs agreed in 2015 formalized and confirmed the commitment amongst CSI member companies. Now, delving into greater technical detail, this Guidance documents the ‘how-to’ for water reporting in the sector.

With the help of stepwise instructions, diagrams and formulae, the document offers practical advice on how reporting requirements can be met, what equipment is required and how devices can be installed and maintained to ensure accurate measurements. The Guidance offers recommendations and technical direction on measurement and making estimates for reliable accounting of water withdrawals, discharges and consumption, ultimately to improve the accuracy of water accounting by companies. The recommendations featured cover cement, aggregates and RMC operations.

The Guidance details three broad categories of water accounting methodologies:

Measurement methods, including the use of forced and free flow meters

Calculation by measurement, such as volume measurement and the speed area method

Calculation by estimation, which touches on calculations derived from the pump and from precipitation for example

Other topics addressed in the Guidance include water accounting principles, definition of site boundaries and management of data. A full glossary, process flow diagrams and lists of indicative values and references are useful practical elements that complete this docum

ent and add to its value as a key resource for cement companies seeking to better measure and management their water footprint.